At Bloemfontein, January 23 (day/night). South Africa won by 39 runs. Toss: South Africa. International debut: S. S. Karim.

Despite an anchoring innings from Kirsten and some touches of class form Cullinan, South Africa's batting seemed below par until Rhodes provided a late spurt. Striking out in the middle order, he hit 57 in 39 balls; he and Cronje scored at nine an over in the final ten. India, whose top order still looked shaky after losing the Test series, were never in the hunt chasing 271. But Saba Karim, stepping up as wicket-keeper because Mongia was injured, scored a well-made fifty, as had Azharuddin. Klusener ran through the tail to pick up five.

Man of the Match: J. N. Rhodes. Attendance: 13,732.

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